In May 2025, India is seeing a big wave of anger against Turkey and Azerbaijan. It all started after these two countries backed Pakistan during a tense time with India, especially after India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. This military move targeted terror spots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people. Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan didn’t sit well with Indians, who are now calling for a boycott. From canceling trips to stopping trade, this movement is gaining speed. People are upset, travel companies are stepping in, and social media is buzzing with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan. Let’s dig into why this boycott started, how it’s affecting tourism and trade, and what it means for India’s ties with these nations.
Why the Boycott Began: A Clash of Loyalties
The boycott kicked off when Turkey and Azerbaijan openly supported Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor. This operation was India’s response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians lost their lives. India hit back hard, targeting nine terror sites across the border. But when Turkey called India’s actions “unprovoked aggression” and Azerbaijan expressed solidarity with Pakistan, Indians felt betrayed. Many see Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism against India, so Turkey and Azerbaijan’s stance hit a nerve. Social media exploded with calls to boycott these countries, accusing them of siding with India’s enemy. For Indians, this isn’t just about politics—it’s about national pride and standing against those who seem to support terrorism.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Painful Trigger
The Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, was a brutal moment for India. Terrorists, believed to be backed by Pakistan, killed 26 innocent tourists in this peaceful Kashmir town. The attack shocked the nation, stirring up anger and grief. India’s government promised a strong response, leading to Operation Sindoor. When Turkey and Azerbaijan backed Pakistan instead of condemning the attack, it felt like a slap in the face to many Indians. Posts on X captured this pain, with users saying they couldn’t support countries that stand with those who hurt Indians. This deep hurt is a big reason why the boycott gained so much support so quickly.
Turkey’s Role: Drones and Diplomacy
Turkey’s involvement made things worse. Not only did they criticize India’s operation, but the Indian Army found that Pakistan used Turkish-made Songar drones to attack Indian border areas after Operation Sindoor. This added fuel to the fire. Turkey’s foreign ministry also called for both sides to “exercise common sense,” which many Indians saw as downplaying Pakistan’s role in terrorism. On X, people pointed out how India had helped Turkey during their earthquake crisis, sending doctors and aid. Now, seeing Turkey supply drones to Pakistan felt like a betrayal. This mix of military support and diplomatic statements turned public sentiment against Turkey, making the boycott call even louder.
The Impact on Tourism: A Big Hit for Turkey and Azerbaijan
Turkey and Azerbaijan have been popular spots for Indian tourists, but this boycott is changing that fast. In 2024, around 330,000 Indians visited Turkey and 243,000 went to Azerbaijan, spending big money. Now, travel companies like EaseMyTrip and MakeMyTrip are reporting a 60% drop in bookings and a 250% surge in cancellations since early May 2025. Many agencies have stopped promoting these destinations altogether, urging Indians to travel elsewhere. This shift is hitting the tourism sectors of both countries hard, with experts saying the loss could be even bigger than the Maldives boycott in 2023. Indians are choosing places like Greece and Armenia instead, showing how serious this movement is.
Cancellations Surge: Travelers Take a Stand
The numbers tell a clear story: Indians are canceling their trips in droves. MakeMyTrip reported a 250% increase in cancellations for Turkey and Azerbaijan in just one week after the boycott calls started. EaseMyTrip saw 22% cancellations for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan. On X, people shared stories of canceling their plans, with one user saying, “I can’t visit a country that supports our enemy.” Travel agencies are backing this sentiment, with companies like Cox & Kings and Pickyourtrail pausing all new bookings. Some families even changed plans after kids questioned why they’d travel to countries that side with Pakistan. This wave of cancellations shows how deeply Indians feel about this issue.
New Destinations: Greece and Armenia Gain
As Indians turn away from Turkey and Azerbaijan, other countries are seeing a boost. Greece and Armenia are becoming popular choices, seen as friendlier to India. On X, users shared posts saying, “Visit Greece instead—it’s beautiful and respects India.” Armenia, a close ally, is also gaining attention. Travel companies are now pushing these destinations, with some reporting a rise in inquiries for Greek islands and Armenian tours. This shift isn’t just about travel—it’s a way for Indians to support nations that align with their values. For Greece and Armenia, this means more tourism money, while Turkey and Azerbaijan face a tough road ahead as they lose a big market.
Trade Takes a Hit: Beyond Tourism
The boycott isn’t just about travel—it’s affecting trade too. India’s trade with Turkey was worth $10.43 billion in 2023-24, and with Azerbaijan, it’s smaller but still significant. Now, Indian traders are shunning Turkish goods like apples and marble. In Pune’s fruit markets, demand for Turkish apples has dropped by 50%, with traders sourcing from Himachal and Iran instead. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a wider economic boycott, urging businesses to cut ties. This move is a way to hit back economically, showing that India won’t support countries that back Pakistan. It’s a strong message, but it also raises questions about how long this can last and what it means for future trade.
Turkish Apples and Marble Face Rejection
In places like Pune, traders are taking a stand by boycotting Turkish apples, which usually bring in over $1,000 crore each season. Since the boycott began, demand has fallen by nearly 50%. Traders say this isn’t just about money—it’s about supporting India’s armed forces. They’re now buying apples from Himachal, Uttarakhand, and even Iran. Marble imports from Turkey are also being hit, with businesses looking for other suppliers. On X, users cheered this move, with one saying, “Let’s not fund those who fund our enemies.” This shift shows how the boycott is moving beyond tourism, aiming to hurt Turkey and Azerbaijan’s economies in a bigger way while boosting local and alternative markets.
Will Trade Ties Break Completely?
India’s trade with Turkey and Azerbaijan isn’t huge—Turkey accounts for 1.5% of India’s exports, and Azerbaijan just 0.02%. But the boycott is putting pressure on these ties. Some on X have called for the government to ban all trade with these countries, similar to travel bans for places like Yemen. Others worry this might hurt Indian businesses that rely on these imports. For now, the focus is on symbolic items like apples and marble, but if the boycott grows, it could lead to bigger changes. The government hasn’t stepped in yet, but with public sentiment so strong, there’s a chance trade relations could face more strain in the coming months.
The Bigger Picture: Politics and National Pride
This boycott isn’t just about travel or trade—it’s about India’s stance on terrorism and national pride. India has always taken a hard line against countries that support terrorism, and Turkey and Azerbaijan’s backing of Pakistan feels like a direct challenge. For many Indians, this is personal. They see it as a way to stand with their soldiers and show the world that India won’t back down. Social media has played a huge role, with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey trending for days. But it also raises questions: Can a boycott really change a country’s foreign policy? And how will this affect India’s global relationships in the long run? It’s a complex issue with no easy answers.
A Message to the World
By boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan, India is sending a clear message: supporting terrorism won’t be ignored. This isn’t just about these two countries—it’s a warning to others who might side with Pakistan. On X, users wrote things like, “India’s security comes first, no matter the cost.” The boycott shows how united Indians can be when they feel their nation is under threat. It’s also a reminder of how powerful public sentiment can be, especially when amplified by social media. While Turkey and Azerbaijan might not change their stance, this movement shows that India is ready to take a stand, even if it means economic losses for others.
Long-Term Effects on Relations
The boycott could have lasting effects on India’s ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Right now, both countries are losing tourism money—Turkey’s tourism sector makes up 12% of its GDP, and India is a big market. Azerbaijan also relies on Indian tourists, who spent over $1,200 per visit in 2024. If this boycott continues, it might force these nations to rethink their positions, though that seems unlikely for now. On India’s side, this could push the government to strengthen ties with allies like Greece and Armenia. But it also risks isolating India from other Muslim-majority nations, which could complicate future diplomacy. For now, the focus is on standing firm, but the future of these relationships remains uncertain.
